Polyhexamethylenimine and process for its preparation

Abstract

A process is provided for producing polyhexamethylenimine by condensing hexamethylenediamine at 50 DEG to 300 DEG C. in the presence of a palladium catalyst. The process yields substantially linear, high-molecular-weight polyhexamethylenimines, especially novel polyhexamethylenimines having a molecular weight of at least 1,000. Polyhexamethylenimines having a molecular weight of at least 500 are useful as gelling agents for organic liquids.

What we claim is: 
     
       1. A substantially linear polyhexamethylenimine having a molecular weight of at least 1,000 and having a structural unit of the formula --(CH 2 ) 6  --NH--. 
     
     
       2. A solidifying agent capable of solidifying liquid organic compounds, said agent comprising a substantially linear polyhexamethylenimine having a structure unit of the formula --(CH 2 ) 6  --NH-- as an active ingredient. 
     
     
       3. The solidifying agent of claim 2 wherein the polyhexamethylenimine has an average molecular weight of 500 to 20,000.